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UPDATE: Air is clearing up for Burnaby, New West

I'd like to write more about air quality this morning, I really would. I'd like to tell you that the cool breeze you felt this morning is probably actually starting to work, because your air quality is actually clearing up.
Julie Maclellan
Bora Bora, stock photo
The air here is really nice. On the bright side, yours is improving.Pexels

I'd like to write more about air quality this morning, I really would.

I'd like to tell you that the cool breeze you felt this morning is probably actually starting to work, because your air quality is actually clearing up. New Westminster's currently sitting at a 4 on the air quality health index, and five of Burnaby's six monitoring stations are at a 6. The sixth, Burnaby Mountain, is also at a 4. All those readings fall into the moderate level.

This is very good news for a region that was topping out at 10-plus (the highest risk level) earlier this week.

Also good news is the fact that Environment Canada is calling for smoke to continue only through today and tonight, but with projected showers and wind moving in to help clear things up tonight. (There's a chance of showers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as it stands.)

Yes, the air quality advisory (for fine particulate matter) is still in effect for Metro Vancouver, although Metro has just lifted the air quality advisory for ground-level ozone (as of 2 p.m. Aug. 23) thanks to cooling temperatures. You should still take the proper precautions, especially if you - or anyone in your household - are in high-risk groups: those who have heart or lung conditions or diabetes, infants and young children, and older adults.

And, should you be interested, now might be a good time to go and invest in a portable air cleaner for indoors so that, if this happens again (hopefully not until next year), you'll be ready to keep your own indoor air cleaner and more breathable.

I'd love to tell you all of these things, but right at this moment I can't, because I'm busy staring out my bungalow window at this view, and just thinking about moseying over to that hammock with my next umbrella drink.

The air is very nice in Bora Bora, as I predicted it would be.

(NOTE: Portions of this news story may present a few #alternativefacts. Those interested in actual facts should ignore the final two sentences. The reporter in question may in fact be at her desk in Burnaby as she types.)

 

NOTE: This story was updated at 2:28 p.m. Aug. 23 with the lifting of the air quality advisory for ground-level ozone.